Starboard-quarter views of the Mars and L’Hercule engaging in battle on calm, rippling waters. Large rocks decorate the right foreground and background, as well as a small floating bottle near the bow of L’Hercule. The middle square sail on the fore features four holes, presumably caused by cannon fire. Large clouds of smoke have hidden much of the vessels’ decks, and most of the Mars’ components, bar the stern, two cannons on the starboard side, the ensign, and the upper parts of the fore, main, and mizen masts.

First of a pair of aquatints illustrating the skirmish, the second being PAH7931.

Inscribed: ‘The Action between the Mars and L’Hercule, on the Night of April 21st 1798. To the Memory of Captain Alexander Hood, who in asserting the Cause of his Country Nobly fell in the Moment of Victory. This print, as a small Tribute of respect to his Manes, is humbly Offered to the Officers of the Royal Navy. By their Obedient Servant’.